Notice to railways for arrest of disabled man

New Delhi, Dec 3 (IANS) The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Monday issued notice to the railways and sought a report over the arrest of a disabled person for illegally travelling in a ladies train in Sealdah in West Bengal.

Biswanath Dutta, 38, with mild dementia and impaired speech was arrested by the Railway Police Force (RPF) Nov 3.

“The police did not allow him to contact his family despite his request. He was produced before the magistrate, who remanded him in judicial custody for 11 days,” said a statement from the NHRC.

“A notice has been issued to the chairman, Railway Board, New Delhi calling for a report in the matter within four weeks,” it added.

“Dutta was reportedly found travelling on the Ranaghat-Sealdah ladies’ special in violation of the rules and he could not pay the fine of Rs.500. It is further alleged that the victim did not own a mobile phone,” it stated.

The commission has observed that the contents of the press report, if true, raise the serious issue of violation of human rights of people with disability.

IANS 2012-12-03 19:22:33